Warren Lenferna
Racing in the Western Cape has returned to headquarters — Hollywoodbets Kenilworth — and on Saturday, four of the ten races are features, promising quality racing and plenty of betting opportunities. Race 1 is scheduled for 12:45 p.m., with the final race off at 5:48 p.m.
The first feature comes up in Race 5 over 2500m at 3:00 p.m. — the Listed Woolavington Stakes. Triple Time, for Justin Snaith and Richard Fourie, ran an absolute cracker in his comeback run three weeks ago, finishing second to Magical Verse over 1800m at the country course. He should relish the rise in trip and rates the one they all have to fear the most. Congressman finished a close second in a Listed race on the 27th of September and, with 52kg, can go close. If the ultra-consistent Time For Love stays the extra distance, she could also be very competitive.
The Listed Laisserfaire Stakes is next on the menu. A big field will face the starter, and it’s a competitive line-up sure to produce an excellent contest. Symphony In White, for Candice Bass, Aldo Domeyer and Drakenstein Stud, has strong overall form and caught the eye in her comeback run when second to Scarlet Macaw. She moved up menacingly and was only run out of it late. She should have tightened up off that run and can be expected to bounce back to winning ways.
The interesting runner is the KZN challenger Hierarchy from the Duncan Howells barn. Her trainer has made no secret of the fact that this daughter of Erupt has ability. She is revving up for the season and, while still improving, can be expected to give a very good account of herself.
The seventh race, the Western Cape Fillies Championship over 1400m at 4:10 p.m., is simply mouth-watering! The line-up is full of quality, and all deserve a mention. She’s My World has won her last two and can complete the hat-trick — the form lines have sparked well. Princess Of Gaul can be forgiven her last run; she was unbeaten before that and clearly has ability. Gimme What I Want should relish every inch of the extra distance and has as good a chance as any. Lowveld Lily needs to break smartly — she cost herself last time by hanging in late and being slightly sluggish out — but she’s capable of much better. Electromagnetism ran on encouragingly last time (albeit in a Class 4) and could sneak into the quartet. Keukenhof caught the eye finishing strongly in a Grade 3 last time and makes the shortlist.
Trainer Tienie Prinsloo sends out his first-ever Western Cape runner, Quickstepgal. She’s a top filly who keeps improving and will have the services of Gavin Lerena — a massive runner.
Then there’s Anotherdanceforme, who needs no introduction. The unbeaten Eastern Cape star (six from six) looks set to keep her perfect record intact. Alan Greeff has some very smart horses, and she’s certainly one of them. Stormwatch nearly won the Diana last time and clearly has ability, though she’ll need to overcome an awkward gate — something Callan Murray is more than capable of handling. Wish List has done little wrong so far, comes from an in-form yard, and could be right there at the finish.
The race does look to be between Quickstepgal and Anotherdanceforme.
The final feature of the day, the Grade 3 Cape Mile, is carded for 4:45 p.m. over 1600m. Two horses stand out — Zeitz and Garrix. Zeitz, from the Nel yard, again gets Serino Moodley in the saddle. You had to be impressed with how he finished off his last run — his first after a rest and return from KZN. With 54kg to shoulder, he rates a huge winning chance. Garrix, from the Piet and Elbert Steyn yard, returns from a 24-week break. His form before that was solid, and if he’s not in need of the run, he can win — he’s a smart, progressive sort. Both Zeitz and Garrix can be followed with confidence through the summer.
